Health Ministries Association
Annual Conference
Conference Speakers
Rev. Bev Bateman MSN, RN, AHN-BC
Associate Director of the Westberg Institute
Faith Community Nurse Coordinator & Educator
Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach
With over three decades of professional experience, Bev Bateman brings a rare and powerful blend of clinical expertise and spiritual leadership. As a registered nurse and ordained elder, she has dedicated her career to advancing whole-person health in faith communities—bridging the gap between healthcare and ministry with compassion, innovation, and clarity. She is passionate about bringing whole person health to faith communities and their leadership with her excellent communication skills and her innovative and collaborative approach.
Bev has successfully led initiatives across diverse educational and healthcare environments, including regulatory programs like Meaningful Use and Promoting Interoperability. Her work reflects the principles of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Quadruple Aim: enhancing care, reducing costs, aligning with organizational strategy, and restoring joy to the healthcare workplace.
The HMA conference planning committee is honored to welcome Bev Bateman on Wednesday, October 30, 2025. Her presentation, “Supporting the Specialty of Faith Community Nursing through Faithful Documentation Practices” will offer valuable insights into strengthening this vital field through intentional and effective documentation. The valuable insights presented will be: Why documentation is a part of FCN’s DNA, What FCN’s need to document when, and How FCN’s can bring continuity of care to a higher-level through technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Sue Roe, DPA, MS, BSN, RN
Sue is the principal and senior practice consultant of The Roe Group Enterprises, LLC; is senior consultant of the Holistic Nursing Exploration Hub, LLC; and is President of the Homeopathic Nurses Association. She has extensive administrative, entrepreneurial, and healthcare experience and is an invited speaker at conferences locally and across the country.
Sue has taught for over 35 years and is a published author in holistic nursing and holistic caregiving. She is dedicated to advancing and promoting a global world of healing. Throughout her career she has been recognized as a community leader, skillful convener and facilitator, an accomplished administrator, and a catalyst for change.

Debbie Harbinson, MHI, BSN, RN, HNB-BC
Debbie is a holistic nurse leader, coach, educator, speaker and senior partner of the Holistic Nursing Exploration Hub, LLC. With a diverse background spanning perioperative care, geriatric care management, caregiver wellbeing, and faith community nursing, she inspires healthcare professionals to bring holistic wisdom, soulful presence, and whole-person care into all aspects of life and healing.
Debbie engages nurses and caregivers in discovering their innate well-being and teaches practical skills for presence and authentic connection. Her vision is to advance a worldwide movement toward interdisciplinary, heart-centered healing within.

Fe Anam Avis, M.Div., BS
Fe Anam Avis is an entrepreneurial humanitarian with a diverse career that has spanned satellite reconnaissance research, pastoral ministry, and international aid projects. For over 25 years, he has created sustainable initiatives to help people through some of life’s most devastating challenges, including hurricane relief, HIV/AIDS support for orphans in Central America, and assistance for victims of domestic violence.
In 2018, Avis channeled his deep personal experiences into founding the PEAK Support Network in western North Carolina. The organization helps parents of estranged adult children navigate the complex trauma of family estrangement. Through his work, he has connected with hundreds of parents, led numerous recovery groups, and developed SPEAK training for therapists, clergy, and other professionals. He is also the author of 20 books on topics ranging from daily devotionals for estranged parents to suicide prevention.

Debra Palmer PhD DNP FHNP-c ONP
Family Health and Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
Director of Palmer Aces for Wellness
Retired Family Nursing Professor
Upcoming author of Unwrapping the Gift of Healing from Wounded to Well
Few individuals embody the spirit of healing, leadership, and service as profoundly as Debra Pamer. With an impressive educational background and a heart for community, she has dedicated herself to meaningful work both locally and globally. Her volunteer service with the United Methodist Church includes her role as Medical Director of the Guatemala Project, where she combined clinical expertise with compassionate outreach.
Debra has held leadership positions in state and local nursing organizations, her community’s Commission on Aging, and the League of Women Voters—demonstrating a lifelong commitment to advocacy and empowerment. She plans to pursue certification as a Lay Speaker and Preacher, continuing her journey of spiritual leadership and personal growth.
The conference planning committee is honored to welcome Debra as the kickoff speaker for our conference on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Her presentation, The Gift of Healing, explores the universal nature of woundedness—reminding us that, like the weather, no one escapes the need for healing. Through the metaphor of the four stages of wound healing, she will guide us in understanding emotional and spiritual recovery. Debra will connect these stages to the “Four A’s” of holistic healing: Awareness, Authenticity, Action, and Acceptance—offering a framework to help us uncover purpose and resilience in our own journeys. Debra’s presentation will invite each of us to identify a personal gift—whether a talent, skill, or received blessing—that can support healing for ourselves or someone we love. Debra reminds us that healing is not a straight line, but a recurring cycle that can transform pain into strength and compassion.
Debra’s upcoming memoir, Between Wounded and Well: Lessons in Healing, to be released in early October, weaves professional insight with personal experience to create a compelling narrative of resilience and hope—speaking to anyone who has faced adversity.
A presentation at HMA’s 35th annual conference: Finding Your True North: A Journey Towards Your True North not to be missed.
